Although arrhythmias are often nothing to worry about, some heartbeat problems can cause serious health issues. Your Tomball, TX, cardiologist, Dr. Daljit Muttiana of Cardiovascular Institute, can determine why your heart is beating irregularly and offer treatment options.
Arrhythmias occur when your heartbeat doesn't beat regularly. It may beat too fast, too slow, or beat in an abnormal rhythm. Extra heartbeats or skipped heartbeats can also occur.
Arrhythmias can be dangerous because they may affect your heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. Oxygen and nutrients are distributed to your organs and tissues via your bloodstream. If normal blood flow is disrupted, your risk of cardiac arrest, stroke, or other life-threatening conditions may increase.
You may notice a fluttering sensation in your chest or notice that your heart is racing or pounding. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, sweating, lightheadedness, or fainting.
It's not always possible to determine why you might have experienced an arrhythmia, although an irregular heartbeat could be caused by:
During your visit to the Tomball, TX, cardiology office, your doctor may recommend a few tests that will help him make a diagnosis, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or treadmill (stress) test. You may also wear a monitor that records your heart's electrical activity for 24 hours.
If you're diagnosed with an arrhythmia, treatment will depend on the cause. Treatment may not be needed if you only have mild arrhythmia. More serious heartbeat issues may require medication or the implantation of a pacemaker in your chest. Pacemakers deliver electrical impulses to your heart that keep it beating normally.
Other treatment options may include an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that shocks your heart if it detects an abnormal rhythm, or heart procedures like cardioversion, catheter ablation, or coronary bypass surgery.
Are you worried that you may have an arrhythmia? Call your cardiologist Dr. Muttiana in Tomball, TX, at Cardiovascular Institute by dialing (281) 357-5700 to schedule an appointment.
